Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is an easy and healthy dinner that is packed with bold flavor. Juicy shrimp cook in a rich garlic butter sauce and are ready in minutes, making this a family friendly meal for busy nights. Serve it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread for a simple homemade dinner.

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This post was originally posted on 06/21/2020 and updated on 03/12/2026.

I have spent years cooking in restaurant kitchens and even more time preparing meals at home for my family, so quick seafood dinners like this are always in my rotation. Shrimp cooks fast, which makes it perfect for creating flavorful meals without spending all evening in the kitchen. I have tested this recipe several times to make sure the shrimp stay tender while the garlic butter sauce turns out rich and balanced. It is a dependable recipe that brings big flavor to the dinner table with very little effort.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Ingredients

• Large Shrimp
• Olive Oil
• Salted Butter
• Italian Seasoning
• Minced Garlic
• Salt
• Black Pepper

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp

1. First, if you bought frozen shrimp, make sure it's thawed. Run the shrimp under cool water in a colander until it's thawed. Takes about 10 minutes.
2. Now, add the butter and oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the thawed and drained shrimp. The shrimp should sizzle when it hits the pan. Depending on the size of your skillet, try to make an even layer of shrimp if possible.

3. Sprinkle the shrimp with the Italian Seasoning, salt and black pepper. Let the shrimp cook for about 2-3 minutes until they start to turn pink.
4. Once there is some pink, add the minced garlic and give the shrimp a flip in the pan, allowing the garlic to spread out with the shrimp as well. Let the shrimp cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked, and then remove pan from heat.
5. Serve and enjoy!

If you enjoy seafood dinners at home, be sure to try some of my other favorites too. My Sheet Pan Shrimp Scampi and Spaghetti Shrimp are both easy meals that bring big flavor to the table, and a warm bowl of Clam Chowder is always a cozy choice when you are craving something comforting.

Storing Garlic Butter Shrimp

Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Reheat the leftovers in microwave until warmed through.

How to Know when Shrimp is Done Cooking

Raw shrimp is usually gray in color and translucent. When it cooks it turns opaque white and pink in color. The tails will turn almost red when they are done cooking. Timing all depends on the size of the shrimp. Large and jumbo sized shrimp takes about 2-3 minutes on each side when cooked on the stove over medium heat. Smaller shrimp will take less time.

How to Thaw Frozen Shrimp

I keep frozen raw shrimp on hand all the time. Shrimp is best thawed in a colander under running cool water. Or you can put the shrimp in a bowl of cool water. Do not use warm water because it can start to cook the shrimp and will alter the texture. Shrimp can be thawed overnight in the fridge, but note that the texture isn't as good as quick thawed shrimp.

Shrimp Buying Tips

• Shop for wild caught shrimp instead of farm raised. The difference in taste is remarkable.
• Make sure the package of shrimp you buy is raw and not already cooked.
• To save you a TON of time buy peeled and deveined shrimp.
• Tail on or off doesn't matter, whatever your personal preference is.
• If you are buying shrimp fresh from the butcher or meat counter, ask them to peel and devein the shrimp. Most of them gladly will.

More Easy Dinner Recipes:

• Sausage and Veggie Sheet Pan Dinner
• Baked Rigatoni Casserole
• Easy Peasy Garlic Bread
• Basil Tuna Cakes
• Roasted Chicken Breast
• Air Fryer Tilapia